The WWE Women’s Championship was on the line in a triple threat match on the September 26 edition of SmackDown, featuring reigning champion Tiffany Stratton defending against Jade Cargill and Nia Jax. The bout was marked by a controversial finish.
Jade Cargill appeared to have won the match after delivering her signature Jaded maneuver to Stratton. As she went for the pin, Nia Jax pulled the referee out of the ring, halting the count. Cargill pursued Jax outside, attempting to put her through the announce table. Jax countered and threw Cargill into the steel steps. The exchange escalated when Jax tried to suplex Cargill off the steps, but Cargill reversed with a Samoan Drop on the steps. The impact left Cargill bleeding from a cut above her eye.
Back in the ring, Cargill hit Jax with the Eye of the Storm, resulting in a near fall. Stratton re-entered the ring, dropkicking Cargill and attempting to pin Jax. The referee counted to two but stopped, despite Jax’s shoulder still being down. It looked like the pin was supposed to be broken but but it wasn’t and it came across as a big botch in the closing moments of the match. Moments later, Jax lifted her shoulder, but Stratton followed up with the Prettiest Moonsault Ever and secured the pinfall victory.
The match concluded with Stratton retaining her title. Immediately after, Stephanie Vaquer entered the ring. Both Vaquer and Stratton raised their respective championship belts. They will face each other at WWE Crown Jewel.
WWE Crown Jewel will take place on October 11, 2025 from the RAC Arena in Perth, Australia. Here are the matches that have been scheduled:
- Singles match for the WWE Crown Jewel Championship: Cody Rhodes (Undisputed WWE Champion) vs Seth Rollins (World Heavyweight Champion)
- Singles match for the WWE Women’s Crown Jewel Championship: Stephanie Vaquer (Women’s World Champion) vs Tiffany Stratton (WWE Women’s Champion)
- John Cena vs AJ Styles
TIFFANY STRATTON RETAINS THE WWE WOMEN'S CHAMPIONSHIP AGAINST JADE CARGILL & NIA JAX.
HUGE BOTCH AT THE END OH NO 😭#SmackDown pic.twitter.com/qYcSqfZJID
— TribaI Wrestling (@TribalMegastar) September 27, 2025
Champion vs. Champion.
Vaquer vs. Stratton.
See you in Perth for WWE Crown Jewel! 🙌 pic.twitter.com/HR346FGUEr
— WWE (@WWE) September 27, 2025
